At Garden Wisdom we offer a variety of abdominal therapies, below I describe two different modalities, each with their own purpose and effect on the body.
First up is Abdominal Therapy, as taught by Dr Rosta Arvigo, which is a combination of traditional Maya abdominal massage and Naprapathy. It is a very gentle and relaxing experience and focusses on the connective tissue that moves between and around the internal organs and connects everything. Two examples of connective tissue are ligaments and facia. Dr Rosita Arvigo created this therapy after apprenticing with Maya healer Don Elijio Panti and herbal midwife Ms Hortence Robinson. With their blessings, Dona Rosita has taught this method to many across the globe and continues to honour her promise to Don Elijio to teach the Maya children of Belize. If you would like to know more about the origins and lineage, you can read here.
This treatment begins with a comprehensive exploration of your personal health story and health goals. This may be done in a virtual meeting or in-person.
The full in-person Abdominal Therapy treatment involves an external massage of your entire abdomen, back, hips, and sacrum. Massaging these areas systematically and thoroughly optimizes the circulation of all the systems in your body. We call this NAVEL: Nerve, Arterial and Venous blood, Energy, and Lymph.
This modality, and teachings, aim to put healing back into your hands, for you have the right and power to do so yourself.
What can Abdominal Therapy do for you?
Relieve digestive troubles, painful periods, PCOS, endometriosis, fertility support, pelvic and prostate problems, chronic back and sacral issues.
What to expect post Abdominal Therapy treatment: This is a very gentle modality and generally speaking, people feel very relaxed and revitalised afterwards. Some feel slightly ‘spaced-out’ directly afterward and some have a gentle emotional release, whilst others have mild detox symptoms the next day. In some rare cases, particularly when previous physical trauma has occurred in the pelvis, such as muscle strains/tears, one can experience a resurfacing of ‘old pains’. This usually clears up after a day and is generally a good sign.
The second modality is Chi Nei Tsang Abdominal Detox Massage
‘The Taoist sages of ancient China observed that humans often develop energy blockages in their internal organs that result in knots and tangles in their abdomens. These obstructions occur at the center of the body’s vital functions and constrict the flow of Chi (energy), our life-force. The negative emotions of fear, anger, anxiety, depression and worry cause the most damage. Problems can also be caused by overwork, stress, accidents, surgery, drugs, toxins, poor food and bad posture.
When obstructed the internal organs store unhealthy energies that can overflow into other bodily systems and surface as negative emotions and sickness. The Taoist discovered that most maladies could be healed once the underlying toxins and negative forces were released from the body. They developed the art of CHI NEI TSANG to recycle and transform negative energies that obstruct the internal organs. CHI NEI TSANG clears out the toxins, bad emotions and excessive heat or heat deficiencies that cause the organs to dysfunction.
As an art and science, CHI NEI TSANG complements Reflexology, Psychology, Reiki, Shiatsu, Swedish Massage and similar therapies. However, unlike most practices which use indirect methods to contact the internal organs, CHI NEI TSANG directly massages the internal organs. It is the most comprehensive approach to energizing, strengthening and detoxifying the internal system. It clears out negative influences and is particulatly useful in relieving intestinal blockages, cramps, knots, lumps, scar tissue, headaches, menstrual cramps, poor blood circulation, back pain, infertility, impotence and many other problems.’
Excerpt from Chi Nei Tsang Global Headquarters Website (www.chi-nei-tsang.com)
This is for anyone suffering from abdominal complaints, currently detoxing, digestive disorders, sleep disorders, chronic fatigue, nervous disorders like anxiety and depression, grumpy gut, low vitality, emotional wellbeing or someone ready to shift the load.
What you can expect post Chi Nei Tsang: Most people feel very energised directly afterward and experience detox symptoms the next morning, this is usually a good sign! It indicates that the treatment has released blockages in and around the abdominal organs and now your body is releasing it through its regular detoxification pathways. This usually clears within a day or two and is replaced with renewed vitality! This is after-all called an Organ Detox Massage.
What you can do to support yourself during this process: Epsom salt baths, pre-prepare healthy meals and rest. Most importantly is being mindful, kind and gentle with yourself as you process and not to get tangled up in the ‘story/narrative’, just be present.
What my clients are saying:
I have so much in my heart when I write this review. It’s hard to piece it all together in words as so much of this process and healing has unfolded in my body. My treatments with Nicky Silawu have been the highlight of my month over the past three months. I went to her after receiving a message during ceremony- to work with my womb. Nicky popped up like the angel she is.
I have noticed tangible decrease in triggers during sex- I find I am now able to consciously choose whether to go into the memory rather that being ripped into it. I have had incredible body-wisdom insights throughout the treatments. My bleeds have brought me a lot more wisdom, processing and insight than before.
Nicky creates a deeply safe container for an intimate process of receiving touch on the abdomen and body. The knowing and wisdom she holds runs deep. Think of bodywork, spiritual healing and therapy in one. This is what you will be getting.
Emma
Cape Town
Nicky’s work is deep and profound. I felt held and grounded in her presence, with the ability to relax deeply. Through the sessions, I was able to begin to shift deep-rooted patterns of abdominal tension, jaw tension and insomnia! Overall I feel more grounded.
Jeri
Cape Town
I’ve gained so much knowledge, love and kindness from Nicky, I couldn’t recommend her enough. She’s honestly the best and her Yoni Steams are amazing. I wish more people knew that there are solutions without invasive surgery. My uterine displacement came from a really bad fall on my lower back in 2021, the contraceptive pill was masking the injury pain, until my body could no longer sustain herself. We only figured this out after visiting Nicky. Wow, such a woman, thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts, we love you.
Rizelle and Lamar
Woodstock
I’ve been feeling Great! Much lighter and more energy and clarity of the way forward! Thank you! Will definitely come for a pelvic floor session as well.!
Maya
Hout Bay
My recent abdominal massage with Nicky was incredible. Her powerful gentle presence held the space so lovingly and the pressure felt like a deep fulfilment of what my body had been craving. For the next week and even now, there is a feeling of expansion within my being and a peaceful softening and clarity. This gave me a huge boost in my overall feeling of wellbeing.
Sarah Lee
Suurbraak
The treatment was amazing. I am in love with what I receive from you. Thank you.
Caitlyn Jane
Kommetjie
Dearest Nicky, I am in deep gratitude to you for your support over the last few weeks. You held space for me me during a time when I was so afraid. I was moving through such disconnection from my yoni, my womb, and the incredible power that was locked away inside of me for more than half my life as a woman. I was moving so much energetic trauma from this space and I didn’t know what it felt like to be so fully natural, I didn’t yet trust my body. You created the container I needed to feel safe and to start trusting my body again. You are effortless. Our connection is so intimate and such a safe space for me. Thank you for sharing such innate wisdom and for expanding my Yoniverse. Thank you for helping me remember Who I Am.
Suskia
Muizenberg
Nicky creates a sacred space for healing. She is intuitive and heart centred, connected to the seen and the un-seen. Such a blessing to have her support us in our healing processes.
Janine Sonia
Camps Bay
Nicky is such magic. She has created such a safe, loving yet informative space. I felt held and free to express whatever came up. The treatment itself was uncomfortable at times (I totally felt prepared for that) and days later, I’m already seeing the changes and shifts in my physical and energetic field. Most notable, I feel like I have a real sense of vitality, finding the energy to really go about my day with joy. Highly, highly recommend Nicky and CNT.
Irani
Cape Town
What a powerful treatment, and what a beautiful healer! My sleep has improved and I have had no bloating since my treatment with Nicky. My body felt safe to receive her touch and move the energy that was no longer serving me. Would highly recommend to anyone wanting to work on digestive or menstrual issues, particularly if you’re ready to go deep and reconnect with your centre.
Holly
Cape Town
I expected it to be a massage that detoxifies my body BUT was blown away by the consultation and conversation before and after, as well when she explained that this technique will also help me release a lot of stored emotions.
Marissa
Germany
Nicky is an extremely receptive giver, she listens to your body with her fingers and opens her intuition to the messages of your body through the layers of traumatised cells, which we have learnt to numb and silence. Since I saw Nicky my body has rapidly been changing its intolerance of certain food as if the communication lines have been cleared. She is mastering this art, I highly recommend her! …and she is also very lovely, funny and quirky, she brings a beautiful lightness to possible awkward situations.
Bianca
Scarborough
This is an incredibly valuable healing tool on many levels! I think everyone should experience a series of this treatment, or process. It is not a comfortable feel-good massage, but it offers deep healing, process, release and detox on an emotional level. The possible challenge and discomfort is so worth it, plus you are in very good hands with Nicky, as she is holding such a caring, mindful and safe space. I highly recommend Chi Nei Tsang with Nicky!
Hanna
Muizenberg
This treatment has been incredibly healing for me. By it’s nature, it is a challenging process. Some degree of physical discomfort is entailed, but the results are phenomenal. I’ve experienced it twice and both times I was amazed by the difference I felt in my body and being. Nicky is extremely intuitive and present with her touch and manner and I feel completely safe in her hands. I feel she has a particular calling and gift with this offering and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Gavin
Fishhoek
Just WOW! This is incredibly powerful therapy and I’d highly recommend you see Nicky if you are interested in shedding what no longer serves you.
Tanja
Orangekloof
This was an absolutely profound experience! It was my first time experimenting with CNT abdominal massage, following months of gut and digestive issues. Nicky was phenomenal. This is so much more than a physical practice, so be prepared for Nicky’s healing hands to invigorate your emotions and spirit.
Sarah-Kim
Rondebosch
- 2,5 hours
- 60/90mins
Concessions and Pensioners Rates available, please inquire.
Garden Wisdom 